Best clear substance for gauges?

[Monty]

Years ago I heard about a neat tip where a clear substance (I think the author used epoxy at the time) was carefully applied to each gauge face, giving them the appearance of having glass covers.

Unfortunately in his case, the epoxy yellowed over time and the effect was ruined.  

Having seen old-style Testors clear in the bottle, I don't think Id even bother because it already has a slight amberish tint to it.  

What are you guys suing that has stayed clear for along time? 

[peteski]

Yes,  epoxy adhesive (especially the 5-minute type) will yellow over time. It ruined the gauges of my Pocher 1:8 scale Mercedes 500A/K

There is Envirotex epoxy which might not yellow over time, but I have no experience with it.

Maybe Microscale Crystal Clear (liquid used to make small windows) would work? That shouldn't yellow.  Same with canopy glue (which is likely similar type of material).

Edited June 6, 2021 by peteski

[stitchdup]

clear plastic and a hole punch work well, or drill out the gauges and put the decal on a sheet of plastic behind, then put some clear plastic over that before fitting in place from behind. Obviously doesn't work if the detail is molded in

[Plowboy]

I've done many with Testors Windshield Glue. No yellowing yet.

[Bugatti Fan]

I have had the same problem as Peter by using epoxy as clear lens material on a Pocher Mercedes dashboard funnily enough. Fortunately I built the dashboard up and stored the kit for over 20 years not having done anything else to it so I can rectify the problem. Gauges are downloadable from the internet I believe so I will have to look at printing some more off and reinstate them whilst sorting the clear bezels problem. In the past I have printed gauges onto paper and used good old clear Sellotape stuck directly down on each face to good effect.

[Classicgas]

Future floor polish, Elmers clear glue are both good, they take longer to dry.

[crazyjim]

I use Modge Podge.

[peteski]

While I have never used it for that purpose, I think that Bondic (or any clear UV-cured resin) might also work.  I find those have very slight yellow  tint in thicker applications, and I don't know if those resins will darken with age (I don't have any cured Bondic that is few years old).  Another issue is that the source of UV light included with the resin does not fully set the resin.  It remains slightly rubbery, and the surface is sticky (uncured).  But leaving the resin exposed to sunlight for several minutes sets it hard, and the surface also hardens to a glossy finish. No more stickiness.

[Richard Bartrop]

I've gotten good results with Future, but you do have to let it sit for a while.  There will be shrinkage, so you will need multiple coats.

[espo]

I have tried both Tamiya and Testers clear brush paint and had good results, but I prefer Future.   

[Deuces ll]

9 hours ago, crazyjim said:

I use Modge Podge.

Bingo!....

[Bills72sj]

I got a bottle of thick, clear finger nail polish from the Dollar store. Comes with its own brush (no clean up) and works great for making "chrome" headlights more realistic.